SNAEFELL MOUNTAIN RAILWAY

The Island has just one mountain - Snaefell (Norse for snow mountain). The only way to reach the 2036 foot summit if you choose not to walk is by the splendid Snaefell Mountain Railway.

Built in 1895 the six original tram cars still climb the steep 1 in 12 gradient to the top. En-route takes in breathtaking views of the Island's largest glacial valley, the beautiful Sulby Reservoir and spectacular glimpses of the north of the Island over Tholt-y-Will to the sandy plains of Jurby, the sandcliffs of Bride, and on to the Point of Ayre.

Old Manx tradition tells that on a clear day from the summit of Snaefell you can see six kingdoms - England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Mann and for those whose eyes are clear of hate and full of love, the Kingdom of God.

The Snaefell Mountain Railway may be taken from Laxey Station or from the Bungalow on the TT Course.

At the peak of your journey enjoy the refreshment in the Summit Cafe where an exhibition recounts the construction of this the oldest operating mountain railway in the British Isles.

Conceived and constructed in some seven months, back in 1895, an extra rail was laid to enable steam loco "Caledonia" to haul rail to the summit of Snaefell. For many, a walk from the summit to the Bungalow before re-boarding the tram for its homeward journey to Laxey is a must and forms part of the pilgrimage to the Island for railway enthusiasts.

With breathtaking views outside the windows, it's hard to concentrate on the display of historical memorabilia which describe the inception and completion of this, the oldest operating mountain railway in the world. The whole process from start to finish took some seven months to complete and used the steam loco Caledonia in a third rail to haul building materials to the summit.

The Summit Cafe is a welcome sight as one alights from the Snaefell Mountain Railway which has just climbed through nearly 2,0000 feet of rugged moorland revealing views of the Island across the Irish Sea.

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